The Distillery Story

Likarish Enterprises Inc., operating as Ironroot Republic Distillery, is a family-owned craft distillery located in Denison, Texas, near the Oklahoma border in the Texoma region. Founded in 2013 by brothers Robert and Jonathan Likarish, along with their parents, the distillery is named after the “iron root” grapevines developed by local viticulturist T.V. Munson, whose work saved the French wine industry in the 19th century. This historical connection to France heavily influences Ironroot’s distillation techniques, which incorporate traditional French methods into their whiskey-making process. Ironroot Republic specializes in producing heirloom corn-based bourbons and whiskeys, using a diverse range of corn varieties to create unique flavor profiles. Their flagship product, Harbinger Bourbon, gained international acclaim by winning “World’s Best Bourbon” at the 2020 World Whiskies Awards, making it the first non-Kentucky bourbon to achieve this honor. The distillery also produces other spirits, including vodka and moonshine, which helped establish their early success.